Several people have asked me about my rear axle. I got a full float kit from Mitchell Differential. Their ph# 508-755-3790. I found my old invoice. The kit was $889 and two new drums machined for this kit were $115. Total $1072 in 2002. The guy told me I could machine my old drums or go to disc from an exploror. I just had him make me some new ones.

If you are having problems running big tires, this is the answer. I use to run 35's and was going through wheel bearings and axles all the time. (The bearing rides on the axle and wrecks it too.) Now I run 38's since 2002 and havent had a single problem. I use to do some serious wheeling with my old Bronco. This setup worked so good that I transfered it to my new Bronco a couple years back. I dont do as much wheeling as before, but I still get it dirty now and than.

This is not a c-clip eliminater kit! But it does do away with the c-clips. A nice added benifit.

Some people on this site recomend the 9" and the Sterling. Both are supperior to the stock 8.8 and they may be found cheaper than this kit. But neither of these are a true full floating axles. A Full Floating axle is known to be the best setup for strenth and reliablity. If you look at any big truck, (one ton or bigger) you will see that they all are full float. You can tell by the bolts in the center of the wheel. (not the lugs) if you dont know what I mean, look at my gallery. (The photo of the wheel)

Happy Broncoing

 

A sterling isn't a full floating axle?

 

Actually, there are sevral versions of the Sterling. The one ton Sterling is a full float. Sorry for the mistake.

 

Actually, there are only two versions. A heavy duty F-250 (GVWR > 8500 lbs) got a full floater, as did all one-tons that didn't get a Dana axle.

The only trucks that got a semi-float sterling were the LD F-250's.

Even an 8.8" with a full floater conversion is not nearly as strong as a FF sterling, but for those people who want to keep their 5 lug rims and still need a VSS, your FF kit will probably suit them very well.

 

I think the Sterling has the vss. But you dont have many choices for gears or lockers on them. (at least not right now.) The after market guys will catch up as this axle as it gets more popular.

 

Right on, this is good to know and makes for another option.

i do have a question why didnt you go with rear discs. i also wonder if you used the exploder setup they would need redrilled for the proper bolt pattern right.

 

I like the idea of disc in the back. Maybe someday. I was worried about the E-Brake. I hadnt thought about the differnt bolt pattern now a days.

I just wasnt looking for any more work right then. In all the years I've been four wheeling (Two Scouts and Two Broncos) , I havent changed the rear brakes because of ware. (I've changed a few because of rusted broken parts) The fronts do all the work. I do pull trailiers sometimes and I expect the rears are working then. (I have no trailier brakes) But I guess I dont do it that often.